For those who don't mind eating a chunk of ginger, you can just cut it into strips instead of shredding it.

When buying coconut milk, look for one with 0(zero) sugar content on its Nutrition label. You don't want a hint of sweetness for this dish.

You don't have to suffer from a very hot and
spicy Bicol Express if you can't handle the heat. If you like the dish
but can't withstand the powerful heat, use just one or two chili peppers (seeds and ribs removed) stirred in during the last few minutes of the cooking process.

Very Important! Make sure you wash your hands (and the knife and cutting board) right after handling the chili otherwise your hand will feel a severe burning sensation that's very uncomfortable, and sometimes really painful.